Pricing your crossover SUV under R500 000 is an important angle for manufacturers, it's the psychological barrier that can mean the difference between success and failure. The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, Volkswagen T-Cross and Kia Seltos all come in just under this R500 000 mark but which one has the best tech and the best infotainment system? We compare their standard features to find out.
The compact crossover segment is flooded with options. Any manufacturer worth their salt is crafting and creating an offering and the Chinese onslaught is hard to ignore. The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro offers a lot of value for your money, presenting a slightly larger, more premium product with more tech at the same or similar price. It’s easy to see why you’re starting to see so many of them on our roads.
One of the buying considerations in this segment is the tech and connectivity features. It was identified early on that touchscreen infotainment systems and mobile phone connectivity are key selling points in this class and we’re seeing great advances in the amount of tech being crammed into relatively small vehicles.
Here’s how the infotainment system and tech in the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro compares to two of its nearest price and segment rivals, the Volkswagen T-Cross and the Kia Seltos.
Chery Tiggo 7 Pro 1.5T Executive
The Tiggo 7 Pro takes the sporty Tiggo 4 Pro recipe and adds a luxury element to it, offering up a vehicle that is a little more mature in nature but retaining the wonderful tech that you’ve heard so much about. As such, the Tiggo 7 Pro is equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is linked to the 7-inch digital driver display. This unit is rather comprehensive and will control your music, phone calls (when paired), and certain vehicle settings such as lighting and door locks.
It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and features a very effective voice control system that will allow you to control not only your audio but various aspects of the vehicle. you can ask it to close the windows and it will do so. Phones can also be paired via Bluetooth for hands-free connectivity when making calls.
The controls interface rests below the screen and a bank of push buttons controls that control the power, volume, reverse camera activation, phone, hazards and a home button. Further, you can opt to use the multifunction steering wheel controls from the driver’s seat.
Two USB ports are provided, one in front and one in the second row for charging devices and connecting smartphones to the system. The Tiggo 7 Pro also has wireless charging capabilities.
The optional Discover Media system in the T-Cross
Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0TSI 85kW Comfortline R-Line
While the R-Line package makes the T-Cross look sporty and expensive, it’s almost exactly the same price as the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro. This is thanks to the standard equipment level of the Comfortline trim. Slightly smaller in size, the T-Cross banks on Volkswagen’s reputation for reliability and quality.
As this is a Comfortline model, the Volkswagen T-Cross is only fitted with the Composition Colour infotainment system with a smaller 6.5-inch screen. That shouldn’t detract you though as this Volkswagen staple is still a powerhouse with many of the functions that you would want including Bluetooth connectivity, a 6-speaker audio system and App Connect that allows for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Mirrorlink.
Tactile controls are situated on either side of the screen with a volume knob and tuning knob on either side and a bank of buttons for shortcuts to various features. Steering wheel controls and voice controls is also offered as an alternative control method.
The T-Cross can be upgraded to the Composition Media system and if you’re prepared to part with R10 300, the Discover Media system with a much larger screen and built-in navigation can be yours too. This system is robust and relatively quick to respond with acceptable resolution and integration with the vehicle.
Kia Seltos 1.6 EX+
The Kia Seltos is an attractive alternative to the models above and offers a great selection of standard equipment from the factory floor. Priced comparatively with the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, the Seltos is slightly smaller than the Chery but a touch larger than the Volkswagen.
The Seltos in EX+ trim is fitted with an 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system that is mounted in a piano black housing that rests just below eye level. This unit, while lacking a little in display resolution and vibrancy, is easy to use and allows for Bluetooth connectivity as well as smartphone mirroring with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. USB ports are provided both in front and at the rear with only the front offering a data connection for the infotainment system.
The screen is flanked by several buttons for typical shortcuts and track skipping/seeking and two rotary knobs rest in the lower corners on either side, one for volume and power, the other for tuning and entering inputs. The unit has been designed for left-hand drive vehicles so you will find that the volume knob is the furthest from the driver. The driver, however, can make use of the multifunction steering wheel to control key functions.
Audio is plumbed through a 6-speaker audio system.
Keyword: Chery Tiggo 7 Pro vs VW T-Cross vs Kia Seltos: Which one has the best infotainment system?